MAKING A DIFFERENCE

As I walk through the vibrant landscape of Parramatta, it’s here in one of the recently completed skyscraper buildings where I join Amanda Rose for a delightful conversation and a taste of some fabulous local cuisine.

Amanda Rose is founder and CEO of Small Business Women Australia, founder of Business Woman Media and founder of Western Sydney Women, Mentoring Women and The Future is Bright.

As one of the most influential people on LinkedIn, Amanda Rose (#BossLady) is quoted as an “internet winning blogger” by TIME.com and contributes regularly to ABC The Drum and has a weekly spot on Sky News Weekend Edition and Sunrise Hot Topics for the Seven Network.

As we sit here, we delve into various topics and note that Amanda and I share a common background of growing up in Western Sydney, raised in a household with fathers who were tradies who worked in construction. We discuss how this upbringing ignited our resilience and determination, ultimately laying a foundation for us both to establish and lead our own successful businesses over the years.

In a workplace where gender equality is still a work in progress, we acknowledge that through hard work, dedication, powered by courage and innovative spirit we are changing the game.

Moreover, we are building a legacy of empowerment and inspiration paving the way for future generations of female entrepreneurs in the building and construction industry.

I ask Amanda the following questions:

How did growing up in a tradesman’s household shape your career path?

I understood the importance of the trades in general and I always wanted to help the Tradie succeed hence why my first business was marketing and graphic design for tradies.

I was always encouraged to be whatever I wanted. There was no glass ceiling in my household. It was always “go for it”.

Do you believe that your upbringing in a tradesman’s household helped you navigate and overcome any obstacles in your career?

Absolutely. I was well equipped to deal with all kinds of people. In fact, I didn’t even experience discrimination or push back until I worked in the corporate world.

Amanda Rose, the founder of Build Your New Career and The Future is Bright in Trades, has created these impressive programs to empower the next generation of women in Western Sydney. These programs provide a supportive environment for women who are interested in learning about construction, STEM, and trades. The Future is

Bright in Trades specifically targets girls in years 9-12, helping them plan for a successful future by building confidence through hands-on learning and mentoring. Additionally, participants have the opportunity to experience a day on the job with partner organizations that host trade experience days.

Amanda actively contributes to various organizations and initiatives. She serves as a member of the External Committee for Western Sydney University’s creative leadership degree, as well as a member of the NSW Government’s Council for Women’s Economic Opportunity. Additionally, Amanda dedicates her time as a small business mentor to the Boosting Female Founders initiative, supported by the Australian Government.

Amanda can be seen regularly on popular television shows such as Sunrise hot topics, SkyNews weekend edition, Mike&Emma RnB Fridays, and she is also a frequent guest on ABC’s The Drum.